National Highways Details Extensive Upgrades as M27 Resurfacing Project Nears Completion

National Highways has outlined the scale of improvements delivered during its major resurfacing programme on the M27, with work between junctions 5 and 7 approaching its final stages.

The long-running project, which began in February 2024, is expected to conclude on June 23, when all four lanes in both directions are scheduled to reopen to traffic by 6am.

According to National Highways, the scheme has involved a significant programme of resurfacing, drainage upgrades and safety enhancements aimed at improving driving conditions and extending the lifespan of the motorway.

Richard Scrase, programme delivery manager at National Highways, said the works would provide smoother, quieter and safer journeys for road users while delivering long-term benefits for the route.

Over the course of the project, contractors laid almost 90,000 tonnes of low-noise asphalt and installed more than 45,000 metres of road markings. A further 6,308 road studs were fitted to improve visibility and safety.

Extensive infrastructure improvements were also completed, including the repair or replacement of more than 11,000 metres of drainage systems. Nearly 9,500 metres of concrete safety barriers were installed, while more than 78,000 metres of joints between concrete sections were sealed.

The programme additionally involved replacing 281 concrete bays, carrying out around 1,100 individual concrete repairs and excavating in excess of 11,600 cubic metres of material.

The resurfacing scheme forms part of National Highways’ ongoing investment in maintaining and modernising the strategic road network, with the upgraded section of the M27 expected to offer improved reliability and driving conditions for years to come.